This was a short week because it was Gail's 21st Birthday, very cool :)
Had some interesting classes in Life Orientation; discussing some very deep topics and doing a lesson plan to challenge perceptions of people with disabilities. It was quite difficult to hear some of the learners perceptions of people with disabilities; both as an occupational therapist (to be) and personally. Alot of the learners felt that disabled people couldn't be independent - but we did some work to open their eyes to some of the realities of being disabled (ironically by blindfolding half the class and getting them to lead each other around the school!)
We visited another big mall nearby (ish) which was much bigger than any other mall in the vicinity - and was like its own empire - South Africans do love their malls!
At the drug rehabilitation centre we made friendship bracelets with the residents - which took me back to primary school and was alot of fun - esp when the residents started teaching me different ways to make them which I'd never seen before!
We also played a simple game in a life orientation session with the girls to do with recognising the side-effects of drugs. Unfortunately not all the clients were engaged with the task - but those that were did well.
In the creche we did different stations of activities with the 5-6 year olds - felt very productive and alot of fun. Everytime I go to the creche I end up getting very dusty kneeling down next to the tables where the children work; but that just adds to the fun :)
On Weds eve S and I got down to some serious baking(!) my first in several years! I baked a 'cold tea loaf' for Gail's birthday cake and S attempted to use my gran's (seriously scrumptious) chocolate cake recipe to make cupcakes.
Neither turned out especially well (we didn't have scales) but my Gran's reciple did make some fantastic crumbly brownies (once they'd been prised from the tins!...)
We had some confusion with the social responsibility timetable (where the learners come to the community projects - the creche and the disability home once a term) so we ended up going to the creche and the disability home on Weds and Thurs of that week.
So on Weds in the disability I did a basic exercise group (which is what I do at the start of every weekly session) and then just spent some time interacting with individual residents and the manager about future plans and improving individual function; all very small steps - but every little helps right!?
On Thursday the learners from the school came into the home and helped facilitate a painting group with the focus of designing a painting for a wall outside the home.
The learners were less motivated than usual with helping the residents and alot of them ended up doing their own paintings which was disappointing for me - and unfortunately there wasn't a teacher to back me up on my attempts to engage them more. I'm a little bit disillusioned about whether the learners will continue with interactive tasks with the residents when I'm not around but I am putting together some literature that will actively encourage participation from the learners - so hopefully that will help.
Thursday on the whole was pretty cool; I got up early to put up some birthday decorations, there were lots of airmailed cards and plenty of presents :) After social responsibilty Gail and I went to Long St, wondered around and saw some of the cool, tourist-aimed shops around there. Then we picked S up from the station and drove up to the Table Mt cable car station.
As a South African citizen Gail has the priviledge of travelling up and down Table Mt for free - so she took advantage of that and S and I followed.
We wandered around the table top (which had changed significantly since my visit in '08 - I guess the world cup had something to do with that...), took many photos, got very cold, bought hot choc and watched the sun go down, hopped in the next available cable car and S and I led the car in a disjointed serenade of 'Happy Birthday' while Gail cringed appropriately (you only turn 21 once though right!?!)
We made a late night stop at Spar for last minute goodies and then came home to eat (it was pretty much 10pm by then!)
Luckily we had Friday off - so after a brief lie-in Gail and I were busily getting ready.
Unfortunately my trainers had been stolen from the back garden (where I left them to dry at the weekend and cleverly proceded to forget about them). I have no concrete proof that they were stolen apart from the fact that they have never been found. So I ended up choosing some trainers at the speed of light so that I had some suitable footwear for our weekend away.
On Friday afternoon an intrepid group of six headed up the west coast to a camp site. We had booked out three permanent tents (meaning they were all set up for us and had proper mattresses in :)
Upon arrival three of our party set about lighting the camp fire, tents were decided upon and impressive (unusual) toilet facilities were admired! We braai'd (Brits read barbequed) our own meat/veggie burgers/butternut squash/sandwiches and had a royal feast under the stars. 'Mazing.
The weekend was a mix-up of national park land, beaches, food, beaches, bird hides, viewpoints, smores, stars, Uno and beaches. Lots of fun with amazing friends, stunningly beautiful scenery and glorious sunshine.
We arrived home on Sunday afternoon (after taking the scenic route...delibarately..!) - sandy, over-heated, tired, burnt (only slightly!...) and ready for some refreshment.
So S and I jumped in the small swimming pool that we have in the back garden, and jumped straight back out again...too cold!
After unpacking, a short rest I set out for church - only to find that the gate (an automated beast that normally allows us access in and out of the drive way) was refusing to budge!
No church for me!
Our housemate eventually managed to get someone to at least open it and we secured it with a padlock for a few days before it was fixed.
Never a dull moment!
I love Table Mt
Peace out x
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